When Should You Start Thinking About Divorce?

 Posted on August 25, 2025 in Illinois Divorce

It is normal for married couples to go through a rough patch, but at what point does a rough patch become an unhappy marriage? The threshold is different for everyone, and it can be difficult to determine when a marriage is no longer worth continuing. However, there are certain signs that could indicate that a divorce is on the horizon.

At Weiler & Associates, Inc., our St. Charles, IL family law attorneys can provide you with skilled advocacy and guidance if you decide that your marriage is no longer working out. Attorney Tim Weiler has experience handling complex divorce issues, so do not hesitate to reach out for a consultation if you want a clear idea of what to expect from the dissolution of your marriage.

Three Warning Signs for Divorce in Illinois

Drifting Apart From Your Spouse

Over time, the spark that once animated a marriage may flicker out. You may grow tired of each other’s company. You may start to daydream about living on your own. You may even begin to resent your spouse. In some cases, you may not even notice the emerging rift between you and your longtime spouse.

If you and your spouse have begun to drift apart, it could impact the timeline for your divorce. If you have lived separate and apart – even within the same household – for six months, a judge could recognize that as grounds for divorce, even if your spouse does not want to get divorced. To prove that you have lived separate and apart from your spouse, you could show that you have slept in different rooms or stopped interacting in the same social circles.

Differences That Cannot Be Reconciled

Arguments are normal, sometimes even healthy in a marriage. But when arguments become too frequent or too intense, they can end up breaking the marriage beyond repair. If you and your spouse simply cannot function as a married couple anymore, divorce may be the best option for everyone involved.

In Illinois, divorce is only permitted on the grounds of "irreconcilable differences." This does not require you to show that your spouse was at fault – only that the marriage has become unsalvageable despite attempts at mending the relationship. As mentioned previously, living separate and apart for six months creates a presumption of irreconcilable differences. Spouses can also agree to divorce due to irreconcilable differences, with no waiting period required.

Staying Together Out of Obligation

If you feel that you are staying together with your spouse for some external reason, like family pressure or for the sake of your children, it may be time to start thinking about divorce. Sacrificing your own mental health for the sake of the marriage may only hurt you in the long run. Moreover, if you are staying together for your children, consider that divorce might be healthier than remaining in a tense household.

Meet With a St. Charles, IL Family Law Attorney

In an unhappy marriage, some people avoid thinking about divorce, while others simply push it off. However, if you decide to go through with the dissolution of your marriage, know that at Weiler & Associates, Inc., our Kane County, IL divorce lawyers are here to serve your needs. Call our offices at 630-331-9110 to arrange an initial consultation.